Halfway through the first season of Netflix’s “One Piece,” the series continues to break the anime live-action curse.
The fourth episode is a fun action comedy containing cartoony elements.
The show is not going to break Netflix servers, but it is an entertaining piece of television for casual binge-watching and introducing newcomers to the franchise.
Emma Sullivan, who directed episode three, returns to complete the Syrup Village story arc. “One Piece” adopted an interesting creative choice in their directing talent. Since each story arc is two episodes, the same director leads the charge in both.
Episode four, “The Pirates are Coming,” continues the dangerous game that started in the last episode. Kaya lives under the protection of her butler, Klahadore, who has revealed himself as the deadly pirate Captain Kuro in disguise. Kuro murdered Kaya’s friend, Merry, defeated Zoro, and deposited their bodies in a well.
Episode four centers more on Zoro, providing more of his backstory while he escapes his deadly predicament. As Zoro fights for survival, Usopp tries to convince Kaya that she’s in danger with Kuro. The Marines are still chasing after Luffy, leaving him vulnerable as he tries to aid his friends in battle. In the battle, the Straw Hat Pirates’ unique fighting styles are shown off.
Following Luffy’s backstory in episode two, Zoro’s origin is also revealed. The episode explores the early days of the sword-wielding pirate hunter.
Netflix’s take on Zoro has been entirely different from his beloved anime counterpart. While the source material casts him as intimidating and harsh, the live-action series has wiped out his humor and love for fighting. Nonetheless, the character is still a worthwhile adaptation, especially as the live-action flashback helps explain his demeanor.
The show’s CGI and visual effects are impressive and cartoonishly capture the impact of Luffy’s attacks and the craziness of Buggy’s floating limbs.
While the story is told much faster than its anime’s 61-episode story arc counterpart, the live-action series has plenty of material to have fun with and alter creatively.
